Colorado requests $27 million in federal funds to fix flood damage in two counties

Residents in southern Colorado face a longer wait for road repairs and utility fixes after Governor Jared Polis asked President Donald Trump for about $27 million in federal aid. The request was submitted on Saturday to cover public property damage from storms that hit the region between Oct. 22 and 25. Another round of rain and snow is expected to reach the same area through Monday.

The initial figure covers early damage assessments for Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. These are two of the 12 counties listed in the state’s disaster emergency declarations. The governor’s office said assessments are still ongoing. Polis told The Colorado Sun that the final amount will likely be much higher than the current request. He said the state is filing the current number to get the process moving and approved.

The $27 million request breaks down into specific categories of damage. Local roads, bridges, and culverts account for about $10.6 million in repairs. Public utilities require $2.44 million, while parks and recreation facilities need $8.59 million. Emergency protective measures add another $4.16 million to the total. Additional costs for water control facilities, public buildings, and debris removal are also included in the application.

The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s public assistance and hazard mitigation grant program. If granted, FEMA will match 75% of the cost for repairs to water and waste systems, county roads, and dams. The goal is to reduce the risk of future damage. Assistance for individuals and private property is not part of this specific request. Polis said homeowners should look to insurance first for private losses.

State transportation officials also secured separate funding for highways. The Federal Highway Administration approved a $65 million request on Wednesday for flood damage to highways in southwestern Colorado. This includes $6.5 million in quick-release funding. The money will allow crews to start repairs before winter. The governor’s office announced this approval on Friday.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will pursue FEMA assistance independently from the state. State officials said the tribe has not yet responded to requests for comment on the flood response. The timeline for federal approval remains unclear. President Trump has no deadline to consider major disaster declaration requests. He denied Colorado’s request for 2025 floods but granted aid for the Aspen Acres fire this summer.

Archuleta County Commissioner Warren Brown described his outlook as cautious. He noted that about 800 structures, including 540 homes, were impacted by the flooding. About 150 miles of county roads are currently impassable. Some power outages have occurred, and water wells are being assessed. Brown said the county is still recovering from the 2025 floods. He argued that the lack of federal aid last year left roads less durable, leading to more damage this year.